(15-20 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will study Isaiah 7:14-16 and Matthew 1:21b-23 to examine God’s intentional plan to send His Son to be God with us.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Ask: How many different roles do you have in your life? Encourage learners to call out some of these roles (such as spouse, parent, grandparent, student, worker, boss). Point out that each role requires something different from us, and is a part of the totality of who we are. Say: Likewise, God sent His Son to us to fulfill multiple roles. The first of these is that God sent His Son Jesus to be with us.
Distribute copies of the Learner Worksheet and pens to each learner.
1. God promised to send His Son to be God with us (Isaiah 7:14-16).
Introduce the background for this passage by point outing that the kingdom of Judah was being threatened by outside powers, so the king and the people were desperate for someone to save them. Say: During these desperate times, God provided reassurance to King Ahaz of His love and provision.
Read Isaiah 7:14-16. Emphasize that God’s assurance included the promise of Immanuel. Lead learners to call out words and phrases that describe the promised Immanuel. (virgin birth; will eat curds and honey; will reject evil; will choose good) Using information from the biblical commentary, explain the significance of each of these descriptors. Emphasize that when God promised to send Immanuel, He willingly promised what would cost Him the most . . . the one and only Son He had. Say: God’s promise was not an idea that happened in the spur of the moment. Rather, it was a part of God’s plan for His created world from the beginning of its creation.
Ask: How did God’s promise demonstrate His long-term intentions? After responses, emphasize that God’s timing was, and is, perfect. Say: Because God Is, He has the power to send His Son to be with us. Encourage learners to complete the first statement on their worksheets with promised.
2. God announced the fulfillment of this promise through the birth of His Son (Matthew 1:21b-23).
Read Matthew 1:21-24. Ask: How much was Joseph told about God’s plan for His Son to be born through Joseph’s intended bride at this point? (God provided the comfort and information necessary for Joseph to face this task.) Ask: What was necessary on Joseph’s part to be able to be at the birth and a part of God’s plan? (Accepting God’s instructions; being willing to trust God’s instructions about what seemed to be impossible.)
Discuss: How is God’s love and faithfulness seen in the way Joseph responded to Mary’s news? Point out that Joseph’s obedience was a crucial part in God fulfilling His plan, birthed before time began, to send “God with us.” Encourage learners to complete the second statement on their worksheets with fulfilled.